Challenges and opportunities in the teaching of professional values in technical careers: The case of Foreign Trade Engineering

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the challenges and opportunities in the teaching of professional values in the Foreign Trade Engineering program at the University of Guayaquil. Given that the training of technical professionals in a globalized world demands not only technical competencies, but also a solid ethical foundation, this study seeks to analyze how values are integrated into the curriculum and what barriers hinder their effective implementation. A mixed methodology was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to obtain a comprehensive view of the phenomenon. Data collection included surveys of 100 students and 10 faculty members, as well as semi-structured interviews with 3 faculty managers. In addition, participant observations were conducted in classrooms to analyze pedagogical practices. The population consisted of students from different years of the Foreign Trade Engineering program, professors who teach technical subjects, and managers responsible for academic training at the university. Among the main findings, a generalized perception of the importance of professional values for success in the workplace stands out. However, significant barriers were identified, such as the lack of time in the curricula, insufficient teacher training in values-oriented pedagogies, and the absence of formal mechanisms to evaluate the ethical development of students. Despite these challenges, both teachers and administrators showed a willingness to improve the integration of values in the curriculum, which represents an opportunity to strengthen the comprehensive education of students.